Village elections in March aren’t quaint. They’re the standard in 90 percent of the villages in New York because they support the independence of local governance.

South Nyack residents will vote on a hurried referendum on Tuesday, March 20, to decide whether to move village elections to November. Turnout data over the last five years shows that village residents turn out to vote when the issues and candidates motivate them. From a third to half of South Nyack’s registered voters turn out in November. Important, disputed local issues get them back in the spring. In March 2014, contested views about bridge-related quality-of-life issues were on the village ballot. Over half the number who had voted in the November gubernatorial race returned.

In March, when important local issues arise, residents can speak directly with candidates about life’s small, important and relatively non-political details: Thruway noise, parking, recycling/trash, street repair. All of this is separate from November’s weighty state and national issues: national security, economy, health care, trade.

On a November ballot, village candidates will appear in the last column — after President, Senator, Governor, County Executive, Town Supervisor, Appellate Court Judge, Receiver of Taxes and other posts. The voter count may go up. Will informed participation?

Spring elections are the independent voices of engaged and active communities. The way to boost turnout and to govern locally is for credible and competent candidates to run for office in well-publicized, contested elections with expanded voting hours.

Fellow citizens — local communities need your energy, focus and independence of mind. Vote! Vote locally in the spring, when the whole world comes awake.